> Hello-->>> I am doing a research project on body decoration-> both in American societies, and societies around the in societies around the wor> ld.> I am looking for any information regarding body decoration in> foreign cultures. I would appreciate any input about human adornment> and any explanations as to why it is done and what it symbolizes.>> Thank You in advance for your help.>> Michelle Cameron>

All the groups mentioned used the body paint and some type of
tattooing. In the case of the selk'nam the body paint was used
to express different feelings or intentions , and the tattooing
as a youth aesthetics scarification practice.
.."Durante la pubertad los muchachos y muchachas suelen entretenerse
haciendo cicatrices ornamentales llamadas losti......."
(Gusinde.,Los selk'nam 1982. vol I, Tomo primero. Chapter 4 pp:211)